What’s Happening, November 17, 2017

SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES are regularly at 9am and 11am. (On Fifth Sundays we have one combined worship service at 10am.) Our November Sermon Series is “The Table of Thanks and Giving!”Thankfulness is a major theme in the Bible. From the birth of a baby to the deliverance of a people, God’s people have so much to be thankful for in everyday life. Giving is another theme in the Bible most modeled when God sent Jesus into the world to redeem and reconcile us. Both thanks and giving are most prominent promises around the table with Jesus and others.

Jesus offers us some lessons when he invites people to the table of thanksgiving. Jesus understood a simple invitation to come and then engage at the table so that lives can be examined, restored, and ultimately transformed into His image and likeness. How much time do we spend at the table with Jesus and others? Jesus invites us and others to the table of thanksgiving.

BAPTISM If you are interested in being baptized, please contact Ruth in the church office at mckendreeinfo@gmail.com or 615-271-2600.

ENCOUNTER MINISTRY We invite you to join us Sunday afternoons at 12:30pm at the offices of the United Methodist Publishing House on 2222 Rosa L. Parks Blvd, Nashville, TN. The Encounter is an alternative service for those who feel “church” is not for them. We are disrupting the passive model of Christian gathering and building bridges of hope around tables where we encounter God in and with our neighbor and engage the neighborhood. For more information on our Encounter Ministry, you may contact Rick Quinn at mckendreerick@gmail.com.

REFRESH! is our mid-week gathering. We meet in the first floor chapel each Wednesday, 12:00-12:30pm. Our worship includes prayers, music, a message and Holy Communion. Everyone is invited to attend.

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER Remember that we as a church are praying the Lord’s Prayer every day at Noon. Wherever you are at noon, we invite you to join us in prayer.

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McKENDREE GROUP MINISTRIES!

LIFE GROUPS! We encourage everyone to belong to a Life Group – a small group that joins for study, encouragement, accountability, mission and fellowship. McKendree Church has a number of Life Groups; a list is on the wall just inside the garage entrance. For more information, please contact Rick Quinn at mckendreerick@gmail.com.

UMW NEWS Ladies, please check your calendar to Saturday, December 9. The ladies of McKendree UMC will gather with the ladies of Bellevue UMC at 9am to have breakfast at The Café at Thistle Farms (5122 Charlotte Avenue). The group will eat together and learn about the mission and work of Thistle Farms. Please RSVP to Debbie McCormick (dmccormick1@gmail.com) if you’re planning to come. Thistle Farms is an organization whose mission is to heal, empower, and employ women survivors of trafficking, prostitution and addiction. They provide safe and supportive housing, the opportunity for economic independence and a strong community of advocates and partners.

Our youth will be selling items from Equal Exchange Coop – coffees, teas, and chocolate. The money raised will be used for our youth to participate in Warmth in Winter (youth retreat) in January. The sale will be until December 3rd. Orders will be here and distributed on Sunday, December 17. (You pay for them at that time.) Check out this link to see the entire catalog: http://equalexchange.coop/sites/default/files/communitysales/fundraising/catalog.pdf. These coffees, teas and chocolates make excellent Christmas gifts.

Your purchase supports more than just McKendree Church; it helps support farmers worldwide! Equal Exchange trades fairly and directly with over 40 small farmer co-operatives to bring you delicious coffee, chocolate, tea and more. Their partners receive pre-harvest credit, above-market prices for their crops, plus an additional Fair Trade premium that can be invested in social programs, farm renovation, and other essential projects. Your support helps promote a more equitable, sustainable and democratic food system. Thank you!

Be sure to see one of our youth soon to place an order!

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OPPORTUNITY FOR SERVICE!

CLOTHES CLOSET NEED! The weather is definitely fall – and these cool days and nights mean the displaced community are in great need of warmer clothing. Sweat shirts/pants, pullover sweaters, jeans, jackets and coats will be greatly appreciated! Donations may be brought to the church on Sundays or to the church office during the week. (Please call Ruth at 615-271-2600 to schedule a time to come.) Thanks for your generosity!

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CHURCH FAMILY NEWS

PRAYER WALL Our prayer wall is located on the table at the back of the church. You may take a tag (in a box on the table), write out your prayer need, and place it on a nail in the wall. On Tuesdays and Thursdays the Lead Team and Prayer Team pray over all the concerns submitted. We welcome people from our congregation to submit concerns and to read and pray over the concerns of our church body.

HOLIDAY SCHEDULE The Church Office and Day Care will be closed Thursday-Friday, November 23-24 for Thanksgiving.

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McKENDREE GIVING Your financial gifts and donations are always appreciated. Consider adding McKendree UMC to your bill pay account. Our address is: 523 Church Street, Nashville, TN 37219. Online giving is available at www.McKendreeNashville.com/give/financialgifts/. You may also text your giving! Just text the amount you would like to give to 615-375-4049. The first time you give you will be prompted to visit a secure URL. Just follow the prompts and enter your information.

Finding McKendree

The McKendree Parking Center Garage

is located at 140 6th Avenue North, between Church and Commerce Streets. Sixth Avenue North runs one way from Church Street.We're on the left as you go down the hill. Parking is free for all events at McKendree on Sunday mornings and after 5pm on Wednesday evenings. (On Wednesday evenings you will need to take a parking ticket from the garage attendant and have it stamped at the church.) The entrance to the church is located beside the disability parking area, a stairwell and an elevator are on the 4th Floor of the garage which is painted purple with images of Johnny Cash.
You are also welcome to walk and use our front entrance, located at 523 Church Street. Many downtown residents utilize this option.